-- Dear Librarians, Did any library pursue the headly roll back for their library? and how was it done? We can't ask for an increase in millage but my Board wanted me to explore the possibility of capturing the roll back for additional funding. Stephanie Daniels, Director Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library 12 Church Street Hartford, MI 49057(269)588-5103http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/
Hello Stephanie: I believe you are talking about a Headley "Override." A Headley Override is a separate millage that requests an additional levy to cover the gap between what an existing millage was originally approved for, and the amount that is actually levied due to Headley. It is considered a new millage, so the same procedures and requirements apply as it the library were proposing another millage. The language simply explains that it is a roll-back. The trick is the voter education that the millage is not really an additional charge, but a restoration of the authority to actually levy the amount originally approved by the voters. Depending on your community, you will want a robust "yes committee." Here is some more information: https://mml.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/x-FS-Headlee-Plus-2026.pdf "Headley Rollback and Headley Override" Information sheet from the Michigan Municipal League. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_a_headlee_override - MSU Extension-Government- "What is a Headley Override?" I hope this is helpful! Please don't hesitate to reach out if I can provide additional information. Sincerely, Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. "the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge." Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] <https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education-plan> [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>. From: EMAIL TEAM via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> Sent: Friday, January 16, 2026 8:08 AM To: Michlib Listserv <michlib-l@liblists.org> Subject: [Michlib-l] Fw: Headly Roll Back CAUTION: This is an External email. Please report suspicious emails via the "Report to Abuse" button in Outlook -- Dear Librarians, Did any library pursue the headly roll back for their library? and how was it done? We can't ask for an increase in millage but my Board wanted me to explore the possibility of capturing the roll back for additional funding. Stephanie Daniels, Director Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library 12 Church Street Hartford, MI 49057 (269)588-5103 http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/
If your millage has been rolled back due to the Headlee Amendment, the rolled back portion of that millage cannot be recaptured or reset without a vote of the electors. For example, if you originally had 1 mill and it has been rolled back to .95 mill, you can ask voters for a new additional millage of .05 mill to get back to the 1 mill level. This is often referred to as a “Headlee Override” – but a Headlee Override is actually just a request for new additional millage. You would follow the process for putting a millage proposal on the ballot. There is no process that the Board can take without a vote to recapture that Headlee Roll back amount. FYI -- This is not legal advice, just general information that I would provide in a seminar setting. So, so please consult your attorney on all millage and tax issues. Anne M. Seurynck Attorney Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC 1700 East Beltline, NE, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: 616.726.2240 Fax: 517.367.7196 aseurynck@fosterswift.com<mailto:aseurynck@fosterswift.com> www.fosterswift.com<http://www.fosterswift.com/> From: EMAIL TEAM via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> Sent: Friday, January 16, 2026 8:08 AM To: Michlib Listserv <michlib-l@liblists.org> Subject: [Michlib-l] Fw: Headly Roll Back [CAUTION - EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT reply, click links, or open attachments unless you have verified the sender and know the content is safe. -- Dear Librarians, Did any library pursue the headly roll back for their library? and how was it done? We can't ask for an increase in millage but my Board wanted me to explore the possibility of capturing the roll back for additional funding. Stephanie Daniels, Director Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library 12 Church Street Hartford, MI 49057 (269)588-5103 http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/ ________________________________ DISCLAIMER/CONFIDENTIALITY: This communication, along with any documents, files or attachments, is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain legally privileged and confidential information. Any document attached is a legal document and should not be changed or altered without the knowledge and approval of legal counsel. The sender takes no responsibility for any alterations, additions, revisions or deletions to any such document. Due to software and printer variations, documents printed at the recipient's location may vary from the original printed document.
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EMAIL TEAM -
Membiela, Clare (MDE) -
Seurynck, Anne